This research started in October 2015 and is being conducted within the framework of IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) activities for monitoring populations on the move through the Mediterranean and Western Balkan Routes to Europe.

Young migrants and refugees set out to escape harm or secure better futures – and face staggering risks in the process. For 17-year old Mohammad, who traveled through Libya to seek asylum in Italy, violence and persecution back home meant the choice was clear: “We risked our lives to come here,” he says, “we crossed a sea. We knew it is not safe, so we sacrificed. We do it, or we die.”

Communication: Seventh Report on the progress made in the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement

European Commission - Press release

Brussels, 6 September 2017

In four progress reports adopted today, the Commission is calling on all parties to sustain and further accelerate the good progress made in managing irregular migration flows, protecting the EU external borders and supporting the frontline Member States under pressure.

Far fewer refugees and migrants entered Europe via the Mediterranean routes than in the first half of 2016,1 largely due to a drastic decrease in numbers crossing the sea to Greece.2 The first six months of 2017 saw an increase in the number of refugees and migrants entering Europe via the Central Mediterranean route to Italy, with 83,752 arrivals.3 However, due to lower arrival levels in July, numbers have remained at a similar level to last year. Arrivals also increased via the Western Mediterranean route to Spain (by 93%) compared to the same period last year.

6,402 interviews were conducted in Greece, Hungary, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from January to June 2016 and 2,140 surveyed were conducted in Greece, Hungary, Serbia, and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from January to June 2017

The Migration Country Profiles project aspires to contribute to a better understanding of migratory trends across Africa and the Middle East towards Europe. The project focuses specifically on the 2016 top-ten countries of origin of migrants and six key countries of transit that migrants are likely to take before embarking on the Mediterranean or Aegean sea journeys.

The profiles take particular consideration the push factors of migration, including human rights, conflict, and development contexts of each country of origin and transit.

In spite of several measures to prevent irregular entries to Europe and irregular movement between European states, refugees and migrants continue to enter the region as well as travel on irregularly from one European country to others, albeit at a significantly reduced scale.

2016 worst year for civilian deaths from explosive violence recorded in the last six years.

Since 2011, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has been recording the global impact of explosive violence as reported in English language media.

In 2016, AOAV recorded 45,624 deaths and injuries from the use of explosive weapons around the world. As with previous years, civilians bore the burden of this explosive violence. Of those harmed, 70% were reported to be civilians – 32,088.

ROME – At a time when a record-high number of people have been forced to flee their homes across the world, a new study by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) clearly establishes that high levels of food insecurity lead to higher levels of migration across borders.

The political and security situation in Libya remains unstable and the movement of migrants from Libya to the Mediterranean continues largely unhindered. The slightly rising trend in arrivals to Italy continues, with an expected seasonal spike during the summer months as smuggler activity becomes slightly more organised. The number of people stuck in Libya remains stable. Meanwhile the number of returns and readmissions from (and to) EU member states continues at a very low level.

From 20 to 26 March, 414 persons arrived by sea to Greece. Chios recorded the majority of sea arrivals (224), followed by Lesvos (72) and Leros (72). A total of 3,783 persons reached the Greek shores from 01 January until 26 March 2017.